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Why search and rescue calls can cost unprepared U.S. hikers big

In the U.S., search and rescue (SAR) operations are available throughout much of the country. But, it’s not always a free public service in every state.
Low-angle closeup of man walking in hiking boots on the trail.

Get the right hiking boot fit for long days on the trail

Looking for a new pair of hiking boots but don't know how they should fit? This guide explains exactly how to fit hiking boots.
A group of people hiking outside.

How to train for hiking: The 10 best exercises you can do

Training for hiking involves strengthening your legs and core. Here are only some great workouts for hikers to try.
A Haunted, scary trail

The 5 best scary movies about hiking (and the lessons you can learn from them)

These scary movies about hikers are a lot of fun for horror fans but can also teach us valuable lessons about staying safe on the trail.
A man on a beach using a smoke signal.

These SOS signals could save your life

Whether you're lost in a forest or trapped in a confined space, be sure to read up on our list of SOS signals to save you from potential danger.
Dangerous hiking at Mount Washington

Type 2 fun: Do we love to suffer?

There are different types of fun when it comes to any outdoor experience, and this article looks at the psychology of enjoying your time outside.
Man with backpack looks out over Yellowstone National Park's wilderness on overcast day

What’s the difference between 2 and 3 layer Gore-Tex?

As part of the description on a waterproof jacket, you'll see that it says 2, 2.5, or 3 layer GORE-TEX, but what does this really mean? We'll take a look.
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These are the best national parks to visit when the weather warms up

With the arrival of spring (and summer just around the corner), now is the time to explore the best U.S. National Parks.
Collection of survival food and dehydrated meals.

Stock up for emergencies with these great survival food packs

Having a survival food kit stashed away in your apartment or your car might come in handy sooner than you think. Here are the best survival food kits this year.
A view of the waves and the mountains at Pescadero State Beach in Pescadero, California.

Here are the 9 best hikes in and around San Francisco to experience and enjoy

Here are the best places to explore in and around the San Francisco (SF) Bay Area, because SF is more than just a home to a plethora of tech companies.
People kayaking down the river at the Big Bend National Park.

The most and least visited National Parks: See popular sites (or avoid crowds)

If you're looking for new spots, we have the list of the most and least visited National Parks for you to plan your next visit around where to go.
A waterfall forms as the waves hit La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California.

Here are the best beaches in San Diego for you to explore and enjoy

Here are some great beaches in and around San Diego to hike, bike, surf, swim, sunbathe, and explore.
Guy wearing cotopaxi.

Why Cotopaxi has become my favorite outdoor clothing brand

Find out why Cotopaxi has become one of the best outdoor clothing brands on the market.
winter hiking boots

The best winter hiking boots: Don’t leave home without one of these great picks

Cold weather calls for winter hiking boots. We picked these options for their warmth, water-resistance, support, and traction.
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Go green and save with the best places to rent your outdoor gear in 2023

A growing number of companies are getting into the pay-per-use game for outdoor gear. These are the best places to rent all your outdoor gear in 2023.
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These winter boots are the best of the best from Hari Mari this year

Give your feet the warmth and style they deserve as you endure the fall and winter months with these must-have boots from Hari Mari.
Workouts for the Cold and Snow

These winter workouts get you out of the gym and into the great outdoors

Winter isn't the easiest time of year to get outside and stay fit, but these four ideas can help you to change it up this year and keep up your fitness journey.
Person snowshoeing

Explore the winter landscape with our snowshoeing tips

Snowshoeing is a great winter alternative to skiing if you want to explore local trails on foot. These tips will help you to get started or hone your skills.
Closeup of campfire inside BioLite FirePit+ fire pit.

The surprise must-have item for your winter sports adventures

Ever wanted to warm up between ski runs? When tailgating at a ski resort, you need the best gear possible. The BioLite FirePit+ is this year's must-have.
The best gaiters are lightweight, waterproof, and durable to protect your legs and footwear.

The best leg gaiters for exploring the snowy outdoors this winter

The best gaiters keep your legs, feet, and footwear dry and protected while bushwhacking, post-holing, and extreme off-trail exploring.
Hiker in the snow.

Don’t let the season stop you: Our top picks for the best winter hiking gear

Winter hiking provides some of the best views and quietest trails of the year, but along with this comes the need for a whole different set of gear.
Woman jogging in winter holding a chemical hand warmer.

Keep your fingers toasty warm this winter with the 7 best hand warmers

Serious cold demands serious heat. These battery- and chemical-powered hand warmers are the best way to keep your hands warm this winter.
The best heated clothing delivers portable all-day warmth.

The best heated clothing for your cold-weather adventures in 2023

Today's best heated clothing provides reliable, ultra-portable heating — usually battery-powered — for constant, all-day warmth in the winter.
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5 Little-Known National Parks That Are Cooler Than Their Overcrowded Brethren

More obscure national parks are just as majestic, but receive a fraction of the crowds. Try these little-known U.S. national parks in the Great Outdoors.
A close-up shot of a man running away from the camera. He is wearing blue jacket and carrying a blue backpack

In Review: Why My Go-To Ultralight Pack is the Montane Trailblazer LT

The Montane Trailblazer LT is an ultralight pack for runners and hikers who want minimal fuss and maximum load bearing.
A person standing on a hill alone at sunset

Embrace the Summer With These 10 Microadventures

Microadventures take place close to home and fit in the 5-9. Here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of summer.
Person in hiking boots crossing stream in the woods.

Here Are the Best U.S. Hikes Accessible in the Summertime

Summertime is here and it's time to hit the trail for a hike. Travel along with The Manual to find the best places to chew dirt during the sunny season.
Keen Men's Uneek leather sandals

Here Are the Best Shoes for Leaping Into Summer

The sun is out and warmth is in the air. Time to get outside with the best new men’s shoe releases to lace up and get going on the season’s best activities.
Best Hiking and Backpacking Tents

The 11 Best Backpacking Tents for Hiking and Camping

The best backpacking shelters balance weight, bulk, affordability, and wet-weather protection.
What to wear camping

What to Wear Hiking: Menswear That Works On and Off the Trail

Want to gear up in style for your next hike? We did the leg work and found what to wear hiking. These picks work outdoors and in the city.
Best Hydration Packs

The Best Hydration Packs for Hiking, Trail Running, and Day Trips

If you spend any time running or hiking outdoors, it’s time to get a real hydration pack. These are the best to buy in 2022.
A trail runner overlooks a rocky pathway up the next incline.

Fast and Light Overnight: A Newbie’s Guide to Fastpacking

Going ultralight is the new trend, but what about fastpacking? Learn all you need to know about covering maximum distance, with minimal equipment.
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Hit the Trails With These Homemade Trail Mix Recipes

Hit the trails this spring with your own homemade trail mix, customized to your tastes. Here are some easy-to-follow recipes to get you started.

The 15 Best Travel Pants for Literally Everything

To travel in comfort is to wear the best travel pants for every activity and environment, from finding comfort on the plane to embarking on adventure outdoors.
A man with backpack holding two trekking polls approaching a hut in the mountains.

The 7 Best Trekking Poles for Your Upcoming Hike

In this guide, we'll give you a rundown of the best trekking poles as well as teach you how to choose the right pair of poles for your next hike.

10 Best Hiking Socks for Men To Buy in 2022

The best hiking socks for men are all you need to ensure a comfortable fit both on and off the trail.
Aurora borealis over body of water during nighttime

Here’s what you need to know about night hiking

While hiking in broad daylight is a lot of fun, doing it after sunset brings a uniquely engaging experience with the skies, the cosmos, and the wilderness.
A man in beanie and backpack standing atop of a mountain with his arms stretched out.

Backpacking Checklist: 13 Things You Need for Hiking

No matter how far you’re trekking or how long you’re planning to be offline, these are the best backpacking essentials you need to survive.
A view of the mountains and the coastline at Big Sur, California.

Here Are Some of the Best Big Sur Natural Wonders

Since Big Sur packs so much natural beauty into 71 miles of California coastline, here's our cheat sheet of the best outdoor sights that Big Sur has to offer.
The tide pools at Arroyo Burro County Beach, Santa Barbara, California.

The Best Spring Break Beach Destinations for 2022

If you're seeking some surf and sand this spring break season, here are some beaches off the beaten path that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Man wearing swiftwick flite xt trail socks in a field.

I Spent a Month in the New Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Socks

After spending a month running, hiking, and biking in the new Swiftwick Flite XT Trail, here are my impressions of Swiftwick's flagship trail runner.
Man on a mountain with the best headlamp of 2022.

The 6 Best Headlamps for All Sorts of Adventures in 2022

Whether you're running down the trail after dark, pedaling to work before dawn, or setting up camp after hours, the best headlamps are here to light the way.
Best Fire Starters for Camping

The 8 Best Fire Starters for Outdoor Camping in 2022

Campfires are an integral part of any outdoor camping trip. Get your fire going every time with our best fire starters.
A man holding a phone in his right hand and a Somewear Global Hotspot in his left hand in the mountain.

The Somewear Global Hotspot Acts as a Satellite Messenger

The Somewear Global Hotspot is a backcountry GPS with a trick up its sleeve: It turns your smartphone into a two-way satellite messenger. Here's our take.
A man with a backpack standing on a rocky ledge.

The 11 Best Backpacking Gear Items for Hitting the Trail in 2022

Spend less time hauling and more time exploring with the best backpacking gear for 2022. These lightweight options are essential for any adventure.

7 Best Hiking Daypacks For Every Kind of Adventure

Hiking daypacks are the daily drivers of the outdoors world: From hitting your local trails to going for your next summit, these packs have your back.
A tide pool at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, California.

The Best Places to Explore Orange County Outdoors

If you want to explore beyond the Magic Kingdom, here are some great outdoor destinations near Disneyland to visit in Orange County, California.
A Joshua tree and a sandstone rock formation at Gold Butte National Monument

These are the Best Places to Hike in Las Vegas

As Las Vegas emerges from its icy winter and into the comfortable warmth of spring, here are some great ideas for hikes in the area.
Mountain bikers riding the trails along California's future Lost Sierra Route.

Lost Sierra Route Could Be Your Next Epic Long-distance Hike

If you need a trail that splits the difference between an average day hike and an epic hike, then maybe Lost Sierra Route is the one you've been looking for.
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10 Tough Hiking Jackets That Can Withstand the Elements

Whether you're experienced in hiking or just getting started, a solid jacket is necessary for your adventures going forward.