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Backpacking

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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.

A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

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.
A person holding a Hydro Flask.

How to clean your hydro flask for tang-free hydration

Young man checks water filter alongside river

Stay hydrated on the go with our bulletproof water purification tips

Various iPhones on a table.

Forget rice: This is how to actually fix a wet iPhone, according to Apple

Moterra Campervan rental parked in a Utah National Park campsite.

This van life camper van sleeps 8, goes everywhere, and you can rent it for less than a hotel would cost

Young man using a portable water filter near a backcountry stream.

Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters

Man pouring liquor from a flask

Take your favorite tipple from town to trail with the best camping flasks

Skier at Vail in a puffy jacket

Obermeyer vs Helly Hansen: Which puffy jacket is right for you?

Prayer flags in front of Mount Everest.

This is the gross new thing anyone climbing Mount Everest will have to do

Hyundai Staria Lounge Camper parked in a field.

We really wish these compact, Korea-exclusive RVs and campervans were available stateside

Someone wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 2, showing the Modular Ultra watch face.

The 5 best Apple Watch bands for outdoorsmen

Sportcaravan Cube 1 Microcarvan Travel Trailer isolated on a studio background.

This tiny caravan uses one smart feature to almost double its space when parked

Man fishing in a river

There’s a new (old) fishing spot in Oregon as a river flows again for the first time in a century

The removal of dams from the Klamath River promises to enhance fishing opportunities and restore wildlife to its natural glory.
A man hiking in Yosemite

How being stinky when hiking in the deep woods might actually save your life

When lost in the great outdoors, the unique scent produced by your body can play a crucial role in your rescue. Stinky is safe!
Skier at Banff Sunshine Village

For skiing, snowboarding, and other dangerous activities, this is the only phone case we’ll use

When you're a skier, snowboarder, or adventurer, you need a robust phone case. Here's why the CLCKR G-Form Carbon case is our pick.
Pocket Tripod

This $35 accessory is my secret weapon to great travel photography – and it fits in my wallet

If you are a seasoned traveler, you need this incredible phone stand for your travel photography.
Adventurers leaving footprints on the sand along the shores of California’s Lost Coast.

The 10 best backpacking trips for adventurers to take at least once

America boasts plenty of iconic trails. So, pack your bags and take on one of these backpacking trips because it's going to be one epic outdoor adventure.
Winter road

Good investment or an elitist ripoff: Is expensive winter outdoor gear worth the money?

Want to know the truth about buying expensive outdoor gear? Well, I've used everything, from bargain-bucket to big brands, and here's what I've found.
Jackery's solar rooftop tent concept with a portable power bank, isolated on a plain background.

Jackery just revealed the coolest rooftop tent we’ve ever seen (Hint: It’s electric!)

Jackery's latest rooftop tent doubles as a huge solar panel, which adds a new dimension for long-term EV car camping and overlanding.
a view between a valley in Yosemite national park during February

This clever hack bypasses Yosemite’s complicated new reservation system

Yosemite National Park has a complicated new reservation system a lot of people are complaining about - but we've got a workaround
Taking a break from hiking to drink some water from an insulated water bottle

Up your hydration game with one of the best insulated water bottles from CamelBak, Yeti, and more

Whether you're hiking, backpacking, heading to the gym, or just in the office, stay hydrated with these insulated water bottles.
Baltoro Impetro modular backpack set.

Do you need a modular backpack? We tested the Baltoro Impetro, and weight the pros and cons

Is a modular backpack right for you? We test the Baltoro Impetro to find out why the modular backpack trend is catching on
Emerson TKF-1

When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut – The James Brand, 5.11 Tactical, and more

The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
The North Face Nuptse Jacket on a plain background

This is the North Face jacket I’d buy this winter (if I had to pick just one)

The North Face has plenty of great jackets and outerwear for winter — this is the best.
Man standing in front of snowy mountains

A premium holiday gift guide for the outdoorsman

Looking for a gift guide that will have the outdoorsman in your life smiling? Here is the ultimate guide for you.
Elk at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park tip: Don’t dangle your baby near an elk like the guy in this video

Elk, bears, moose, and other wildlife are not to be messed with. This Yellowstone visitor didn't get the memo.
The Insta360 camera detailed picture.

The new Insta360 Ace Pro looks almost exactly like a GoPro, and has specs to match

The new Insta360 Ace Pro action camera looks a lot like a GoPro, and has specs to rival any premium action cam.
Luminox field watch on bag

Legendary outdoor brands Ball and Buck and Luminox combine for the ultimate field watch

Luminox and Ball and Buck have teamed up for the ultimate field watch
The James Brand Hatchet

Everyday carry label The James Brand has a new collab for something you definitely shouldn’t carry daily

The James Brand, an everyday carry brand we love, has a new collab on something you definitely shouldn't carry around daily: a hatchet
Man at the top of a mountain wearing a Merino wool sweater

This easy trick tells you which merino wool base layer is right for your activity

Among the essential pieces of gear for staying warm is a merino wool base layer, and one crucial factor to consider when choosing a base layer is its weight.
Mountain photo

Third Man Syndrome: The weird phenomenon extreme mountain climbers experience

The third man has acted as a guide, advisor, companion, and much more to those in need, but who or what is this presence and does it really exist?
Young man hiking through the mountains.

How to layer outdoor clothing like a pro, according to a U.S. Special Operations Forces survival expert

Survival expert John Barklow was handpicked by the U.S. military to develop this field-tested, eight-piece system to help you survive almost any situation.
The North Face GORE-TEX denim jacket

The North Face is now making GORE-TEX denim because why not

The standout piece in The North Face's GORE-TEX denim collection is the GTX Mountain Jacket. This jacket seamlessly combines style with functionality.
Garmin tactix 7 – AMOLED Edition

New Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition may be the perfect smartwatch for deep-country camping and hiking

Garmin has once again raised the bar with the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition. Here's what makes it one of the greatest outdoor smartwatches of 2023.
Moose sitting in a field in an open clearing during the day

Why you need to be just as wary of moose as bear attacks (and what to do when you encounter one)

Moose aren't normally dangerous, but you really don't want to get on their bad side. Here's what to do when one is approaching quickly.
Wild bushfires burning in Tasmania, Australia.

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.
A picture showing the beautiful landscape and clear skies of Death Valley

You can mountain bike into Death Valley and watch the next solar eclipse on October 14

You can take a really cool mountain bike ride into Death Valley to watch a solar eclipse. It doesn't get cooler than that!
A large sign on a tree on the side of a mountain bike trail telling riders that e-bikes are not allowed

You may want an electric mountain bike, but you probably shouldn’t buy one – here’s why

Electric mountain bikes are amazing, but they've got some serious drawbacks. We get deep on why your next MTB purchase shouldn't be electric
Man walking with hiking poles

Podcasts every outdoors enthusiast will enjoy: The Crux, Dirtbag Diaries, and more

Looking for podcasts that make you want to get outside? These choices won't disappoint!
Closeup of a red tick and water droplets on a blade of grass.

Kiss insect bites goodbye: Why insect-repellent clothing is the best thing since, well, insect repellent

Insect repellent does a good job of preventing insect bites, but can clothing work better?
A hiker looks out over Mount Everest.

Cost to climb Mount Everest is skyrocketing because people keep dying

As the death toll rises on Mount Everest, officials plan to increase cost significantly.
Skier heading downhill at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, with the sun and aerial tram in the background.

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.
The James Barnes Micarta knife, open on a grey background.

New limited edition everyday carry knife from The James Brand might be the splurge purchase you’ve been waiting for

Looking for a new everyday carry knife that stands out? The James Brand has you covered
Scorkl 2.0 underwater

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.
Ft. Wayne - Circa August 2017: Costco Wholesale Location. Costco Wholesale is a Multi-Billion Dollar Global Retailer X

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
A man stands in a field wearing backpack and using Black diamond walking poles.

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.
Jenny in Utah in Outdoor Vitals hiking gear

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.
Prometheus Design Werx Man Bouldering

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.
An angler holding a rainbow trout above a fishing net.

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.
Gray and blue "OPEN" sign hanging on a the front door of a small shop.

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.

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