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Hiking

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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.

Two people hiking together

8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know

Whether you're an avid hiker or not, you should take a look at these benefits of hiking to get you inspired to plan your next trek.
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot

A person holding a Hydro Flask.

How to clean your hydro flask for tang-free hydration

Leatherman signal fishing

These are the best multi tools you need to have in your EDC kit, hands down

Young man checks water filter alongside river

Stay hydrated on the go with our bulletproof water purification tips

A man walking towards a rocky point overlooking a lake

How many calories does hiking burn per hour?

Mount Everest Nepal

This is how much it actually costs to climb Mount Everest

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

Bear running through the water

How to survive a bear attack: Brown, black, and polar bears

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

Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters

HIker standing in the sunrise

Hiking for beginners: A guide to hitting the trail

Man pouring liquor from a flask

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

From stainless steel to plastic and packable, the best camping flasks let you unload the weight and keep drinks flowing on the trail. Here are our top picks.
Prayer flags in front of Mount Everest.

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

If you're thinking about taking the two-week trek up Mount Everest, be prepared for the mountain's newest rule: manage your own excrement.
Hyundai Staria Lounge Camper parked in a field.

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

Korea knows what's up when it comes to minimalist RVs and campervans, like these three ultra-compact campers we really wish were available stateside.
Someone wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 2, showing the Modular Ultra watch face.

The 5 best Apple Watch bands for outdoorsmen

If you're an outdoorsy person, normal Apple Watch bands might not cut it. Here are our top picks for Apple Watch bands that can take on your biggest adventure.
Luxury vanlife build using Garnica lightweight poplar wood paneling.

We love this handsome van-life wood paneling, and it’s sustainable too

Few material choices can impact the look and feel of your van as good wood for your interior. So why not invest in something you love?
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

The pint-sized Cube 1 caravan's clever design feature is, as far as we know, entirely unique in the world of compact, lightweight travel trailers.
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.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee

13 ethereal swimming holes to dive into this 2024 – from Alaska to Florida

Forget trekking to Thailand or South America — the U.S. boasts some of the best natural swimming holes in the world. Here are our favorites.
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.

Stanley cup alternatives: The best water bottles you can get

Check out our picks for the best water bottles to help you to stay hydrated while hiking, working out, and more.

Take a break at one of these U.S. National Parks this winter

Winter provides the most beautiful, peaceful, and picturesque landscapes at some of the most popular U.S. National Parks.
best hikes in united states 2021

From California to Maine, these are the 10 best hikes in the U.S.

Declaring the "best hikes" is a recipe for a fistfight. Still, we’re boldly staking our claim to the best hikes throughout the U.S.
Hand holding a leech

How to safely remove a leech (or avoid them altogether)

Leeches love to latch onto a passing hiker, so learn what to do to avoid becoming a host, and how to remove a leech if you do get sucked.
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.
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.
A man in a red jacket walking through the woods, covered in snow

The best hiking gear to gift from Benchmade, Smartwool, and more

Show a fellow hiker some love with our top 10 list of the best gift ideas that will make their next journey memorable and exciting.
A man in a yellow GORE-TEX jacket walks past a lake

This is why your Gor-Tex jacket isn’t keeping you dry

Unbridled breathability just doesn't exist, so we take a look at the limitations of Gore-Tex, how it functions, and what you can do to help your jacket.
solo hiker taking in the view along trail in winter

Explore these scenic hiking trails this winter

Not all hiking trails close in winter. These trails across the U.S. are worth the trip.
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.
Teton National Park in winter.

These national parks have the most gorgeous winter hiking trails

The winter season doesn't mean you have to put away your hiking boots. These are the best winter hiking trails in U.S. national parks.
winter camping hiking snow backpack gear

Lace up the boots and hit the trail with these winter season hiking tips

Just because the temperatures dips and the calendar says winter, doesn't mean you need to put away the hiking boots.
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.
Low-angle closeup of man walking in hiking boots on the trail.

Tactical boots vs. hiking boots: What’s the difference?

These are two of the most common kinds of rugged boots, but what are the differences?
Male hiker walks along cliff with view on Appalachian Trail, Maine.

5 spectacular fall hikes on the Appalachian Trail

Planning to take on the Appalachian Trail this fall? Here are just a few of the best fall hikes for leaf peepers.
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.
A beautiful view of Lost Maples State Park with Limestone bluffs along a clear river with a vivid reflection

Discover the best Texas state parks: A guide to natural beauty you can enjoy year-round

State parks in Texas are well funded, well maintained, and are in a region where camping can be enjoyed nearly year-round — and these are the best.
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.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Grand Canyon closures expected to last into 2025 – what to know before you go hiking or camping

The National Park Service has announced a series of closures for various trails and campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park that could impact your trip.
Pisgah National Forest yellow flowers with pine trees.

Forget overcrowded national parks – these are the best hiking trails in national forests

When national parks become too crowded, explore the lesser-known hiking trips within Pisgah, Shawnee, El Yunque, and Sequoia National Forests.
Kayaking on a lake.

E-bike tech is coming to kayaking because nobody wants to peddle hard anymore (and who could blame them)

If you thought kayaking and e-bikes had nothing in common, think again. The best e-bike tech is headed into the water.
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.

Snowsports

Camping

Snowboarding

Backpacking