As a gear category, bear canisters aren’t the most exciting. But this past year was unprecedented, with three new innovative reimaginings of the humble storage container. Read more at the link in comments.

We trekked deep into canyons, forests, and mountain valleys to test these life-saving devices. Read more at the link in comments.

Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites. Read more at the link in comments.

An ultralight puffy can make a huge difference when temperatures drop in the mountains. The La Sportiva Lumina Jacket is designed for hikers and climbers who want serious warmth without adding much weight to their pack. Read more at the link in comments.

Backpacker and Outside just launched a text-to-speech feature that makes it easier to stay caught up on the headlines—without spending more time in front of a screen. Learn how at the link in comments.

We tested 31 filters in rushing mountain streams and scummy lakes to vet our top picks. Read more at the link in comments.

At 77, Wendy Eden is redefining what adventure looks like. Link in comments.

Whether it’s a predawn summit push, an overnight in the woods, or just an after-work run on a local trail, we know our readers are always on the go. Outside+ members now have the option of listening to select stories on our site, no screen time required. Learn more at the link in comments.

Backpacker and Outside just launched a text-to-speech feature that makes it easier to stay caught up on the headlines—without spending more time in front of a screen. Learn how at the link in comments.

This guide breaks down exercises like resistance band work, balance drills, and calf strengthening routines that target the stabilizing muscles around your ankles. Building those muscles and improving control can help you move more confidently and reduce your risk of injury. Link in comments.

If you are looking for hikes that go beyond the view and tell a deeper story, these destinations offer something entirely different. Link in comments.

A lot of hikers assume the best way to get in shape for the trail is just to hike more. But experts say that is not always the safest or most effective approach, especially if you are trying to build strength or avoid injury before a big trip. Link in comments.

Outdoor gear is always evolving, but not every great piece sticks around. This story looks back at discontinued gear that editors still miss, from ultralight trail shoes to a pocket sized camp chair that weighed just a few ounces and punched far above its size. Link in comments.

Get sunburned every spring? Always end up postholing by accident? Use this checklist and finally stop making the same mistakes. Read more at the link in comments.

Whether you are looking for backcountry miles, scenic day hikes, or a place to lose yourself in wild landscapes, these parks offer some of the most rewarding trails in the country. If you are planning your next trip, this guide is a strong place to start. Link in comments.

Food storage can make or break a backcountry trip in bear country. This review takes a close look at the Adotec bear bag, testing how it performs and who it’s best for. Read the full review at the link in comments.

Four professional avalanche forecasters share their tips and gear picks for staying safe on a backcountry ski tour. Read more at the link in comments.

Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites. Read more at the link in comments.

According to podiatrists, giving your feet a break from hiking boots can play an important role in recovery and injury prevention. Here is why camp shoes might deserve a spot in your pack. Link in comments.

At 101, Kelty is one of the oldest outdoor industry pioneers alive today. Read more at the link in comments.

Pack strap bottles aren’t a gimmick. They’re a gift from the trail gods—and one of the few modern pack updates that dramatically improve the backpacking experience. Read more at the link in comments.

After testing 28 down and synthetic options, these eight rose to the top of the ranks. Read more at the link in comments.

Walking among giant sequoias is one of the most unforgettable experiences in California’s Sierra Nevada. The Big Trees Trail offers an accessible way to step into a forest filled with some of the largest trees on Earth. Link in comments.

An ultralight puffy can make a huge difference when temperatures drop in the mountains. The La Sportiva Lumina Jacket is designed for hikers and climbers who want serious warmth without adding much weight to their pack. Read more at the link in comments.

Private lake views and a show are a good enough reason to visit the Hamilton Lakes Basin. Read more at the link in comments.

Find otherworldly snow formations just a few hours outside Seattle. Read more at the link in comments.

Hiking on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail has gotten more expensive over the years. We talked to trail-town business owners and looked at economic data to estimate how much the class of 2026 should plan on spending. Read more at the link in comments.

Hiking on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail has gotten more expensive over the years. We talked to trail-town business owners and looked at economic data to estimate how much the class of 2026 should plan on spending. Read more at the link in comments.

You stored your sleeping bag wrong, and now it’s crusty, musty, and flat. Here’s what you need to know to make it cozy again. Read more at the link in comments.

New books by Heather Anderson and Derick Lugo take readers across America's long trails, up to the Continental Divide's highest ridgelines, and deep into backpacking's heart. Read more at the link in comments.

Having the emergency gear you need can be the difference between a near-miss and a scary outcome. Pack it without weighing yourself down with these two DIY emergency kits, one for dayhikers and one for backpackers. Read more at the link in comments.

In this classic story from a 1977 issue of Backpacker, Abbey describes days of solitude in Mexico. Read it at the link in comments.

With the help of a dog named Orient, Bill Irwin became the first blind person to complete the Appalachian Trail. Read more at the link in comments.

Muscle soreness or hot spots? You might need to readjust your pack’s fit. Read more at the link in comments.

This guide explains how to train, fuel, and manage your time on the trail so you can push your mileage farther than you thought possible. Link in comments.

This guide breaks down when waterproof hiking boots make sense and when lighter, more breathable footwear might be the better choice for your next trip. Read more at the link in comments.

This six move squat workout targets the muscles hikers rely on most, helping you power uphill more efficiently and reduce fatigue on long climbs. Read more at the link in comments.

This routine targets the key muscles hikers depend on most, making it easier to stay prepared for long miles even during a busy schedule. Link in comments.

A workhorse pair of wool socks, a tasty drink, and one of the best lightweight headlamps we've tried: This gear kept us moving through winter's last weeks. Read more at the link in comments.

Packs come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s how to find your perfect fit. Read more at the link in comments.

From Japan’s legendary slopes of Mount Yoshino to trails in Morocco and the Himalaya, read the full guide at the link in comments.

Altitude sickness affects a huge number of hikers heading into the high country, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness striking many people above 10,000 feet. Now researchers think part of the answer to preventing it may lie in an unexpected place. Read more at the link in comments.

Today Riddle has become a beloved trail angel and hostel owner in Damascus, Virginia, helping thousands of hikers each year and giving back to the community that changed his life. Link in comments.

A routine hike near Santa Barbara turned into a rescue when a hiker suffered a severe allergic reaction after encountering invasive fire ants on the trail. Read more at the link in comments.

Winter hiking burns more calories and demands smarter fueling. The right foods can keep you warm, energized, and moving strong. Here is how to plan meals and snacks for cold weather miles. Learn what to eat at the link in comments.

Quality sleep can make or break a trip. These five practical tips cover everything from pad setup to nighttime routines that actually work in the backcountry. Improve your rest on the trail at the link in comments.

Planning a winter hike or snowshoe trip? Avalanche awareness is non-negotiable. This free course covers the essentials before you head out. Learn more at the link in comments.

Whether you’re planning a trip east or west, knowing what kind of trail profile you’ll face will shape your training and gear choices. Read the full comparison and trail insights at the link in comments.